| How to Block a Credit Card Posted: 01 Apr 2018 01:00 AM PDT If your credit card goes missing, you'll need to act quickly to prevent fraudulent activity. Fortunately, temporary blocks are quickly becoming an industry standard. If your creditor allows you to temporarily deactivate your card, simply call them or go online to block it. Turn it back on if your card turns up, or report it lost or stolen if you can't find it within 2 days. If necessary, get a new card with new numbers. If you're concerned about identity theft, you can also freeze your credit, which will prevent anyone from opening a new line of credit in your name. EditBlocking a Card Temporarily - Call your creditor or log on to your online account. Many credit issuers allow customers to temporarily block a missing card. If your creditor offers this feature, visit their website or open your mobile app. You can also call your creditor and have a customer service representative make the switch.[1]
- If you have an online account, you'll only need to log into the website. If you call customer service, you'll need to provide your account number along with identifying information, such as your Social Security number.
- You can reach Chase at 1-800-935-9935 or visit https://www.chase.com.
- Call Capital One at 1-877-383-4802 or go to https://www.capitalone.com.
- Call American Express at 1-800-528-4800 or visit https://www.americanexpress.com.
- If you have another creditor, look online to find their customer service line.
- Go to account management and switch off your card. After logging on to your online account or mobile app, find the account or card management section. Look for a link titled "Misplaced Card," "Lock Your Card," or something similar. Clicking the link will direct you to a page where you can simply toggle an on/off switch.[2]
- Report suspicious activity immediately. If your card is missing or stolen, monitor your statements closely, even if you've temporarily blocked it. Contact your creditor if you see any strange charges, no matter how small.[3]
- Thieves often make a tiny purchase to see if you'll notice before making large charges.
- Unblock your card if you find it. You can quickly reactivate your card if you find it in the sofa cushions or under your car seat. Head to your online account or mobile app, or call customer service. Toggle the on/off switch if you're handling it yourself, or ask the customer service representative to reactivate your card.[4]
- If you have an online account, simply log into your creditor's website. If you call customer service, provide your account number and identifying information.
- Report your card as lost if you can't find it within 2 days. Temporarily blocking your card is no substitute for reporting it as lost or stolen. If it doesn't turn up within 2 business days, call your creditor and let them know your card is gone for good. Ask the representative for a replacement with a new number.[5]
- If you report your lost card before any fraudulent charges are made, you won't be liable for any losses. If you report it within 2 business days, you'll only be liable for $50 (USD) if fraudulent charges were made before you turned off the card. If you wait longer than 2 business days and fraudulent charges are made, your maximum loss could be $500.
EditReplacing a Lost or Stolen Card - Ask your creditor for a new card and account number. You can call customer service or report your card as stolen and request a replacement online. Fill out the online form or ask the customer service representative for a replacement. Verify that your new card will have a new set of numbers.[6]
- If you call customer service, write down the name of the person who helps you. Keep their name and the date you called in your records.
- Ask if they update merchants that charge recurring payments. Creditors often automatically send your updated credit card information to companies that make regular charges. If you used the lost card to pay bills, you won't have to go through the hassle of contacting each company yourself.[7]
- If an automatic updater service makes you uncomfortable, ask the customer service representative if you can disable it.
- If your creditor doesn't update merchants automatically, you'll have to update your recurring payments before your bills are due. Call utility providers and other companies that charge recurring payments or log into your accounts on their websites to update your billing information.
- Send a written letter to your creditor. While you're on the phone with your creditor, ask for a mailing address where you can send a written notice. Write a letter that includes your name, address, the old card number, the date your card went missing, the date you requested a replacement, and details about any suspicious transactions.[8]
- For example, you might write, "I am writing to dispute a fraudulent charge on my account in the amount of $98.24 dated 1/2/2018 at 3:15 p.m. I reported this card as lost or stolen via telephone at 4 p.m. on 1/2/2018, and spoke to Jane Doe. I did not make this charge, and am requesting that it be removed, that my account be credited, and that I receive a corrected statement."
- Following up with a written letter provides a paper trail. Suppose your lost card isn't deactivated when you requested and a thief makes fraudulent charges. You'll have proof that you fulfilled your responsibilities and shouldn't be liable for those charges.
- Expedite shipment if you need a new card in a hurry. Depending on your creditor, you'll have to wait anywhere from 24 hours to 10 business days for a new card. When you call for a replacement, ask how long it'll take to arrive. If you need it sooner, ask customer service for the account number so you can make online purchases, or ask them about rush delivery.[9]
- Some companies expedite replacement cards automatically, so you might receive it within 2 days. If not, you might have to pay up to $30 for overnight or priority shipping.
- Ask to see the results of your creditor's investigation. If any suspicious charges were made, your creditor will conduct an investigation within 10 business days. Follow up with them after that length of time and ask about the investigation's status. Ask if results are available or when they will become available.[10]
- Creditors are legally required to share their findings with you. While many cases of credit card fraud are beyond your control, the information could help you lower your risk in the future.
EditFreezing Your Credit - Opt for a freeze instead of a lock. Credit reporting companies offer free or lower cost credit locks, which are not the same as a credit freeze. A credit lock is just a contractual agreement between you and a reporting bureau. While locks and freezes essentially do the same thing, credit freezes are guaranteed by state law, so you'll have absolutely no risk of financial liability.[11]
- If you freeze your credit and someone opens a new line of credit in your name, you'll be legally protected from any financial liability. A credit lock doesn't offer this same legal protection.
- Furthermore, a lock contract with the reporting company could include undesirable terms. For example, a credit lock agreement could prohibit you from participating in a class action lawsuit if something goes wrong. Freezes do not involve a contractual agreement, and the reporting bureau would be liable for any losses.
- Note that credit freezes and locks do not affect your credit score.
- Call each of the credit reporting companies. In order to freeze your credit, you have to contact all 3 nationwide credit reporting companies. Inform the customer service agent that you want a credit freeze. You'll need to provide your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and other personal information.[12]
- Pay each reporting company a fee. Fees depend on your location and are typically between $5 and $10. In some states, credit freezes are free if you're 65 or older.[13]
- Send written freeze requests to each reporting agency. When you're on the phone with the reporting companies, ask each for a mailing address. If you filed online, check their website for the mailing address that processes freeze requests. Include your name, address, date of birth, and the date that you requested the freeze.[14]
- If you're the victim of identity theft, include a police report with the letter you send to the reporting companies.
- A written letter will provide proof that you requested a freeze on a certain date. If something goes wrong, such as someone opening a line of credit in your name, it's helpful to have documentation that you exercised due diligence. You'll be able to prove that you shouldn't be liable for fraudulent charges because the reporting bureau failed to execute your freeze request.
- Keep your confirmation letters and PINs safe. Each reporting company will send a written confirmation. It will include instructions about lifting the freeze and a PIN you'll need in order to lift it. Store these documents in a secure place, such as a safe.[15]
- Lift the freeze if you're applying for new credit, a lease, or a job. A credit freeze will prevent anyone from running an inquiry into your credit history. While freezes expire after 7 years in some states, they remain in place indefinitely in the vast majority of states. If you apply for a new line of credit, job, or apartment lease, you'll need to lift the freeze so the company can run an inquiry.[16]
- If you'll frequently be applying for lines of credit, leases, and jobs, you might want to lift your security freezes permanently instead of paying fees to temporarily thaw them every few months.
- Ask a new creditor, leasing company, or potential employer which reporting company they'll use to check your credit. That way, you can lift the freeze with that company alone instead of having to pay fees to have all 3 lift your freeze.
- Follow the instructions in the confirmation letters to lift the freeze. You'll call the reporting company or go online, provide your personal information and PIN, and specify the dates you want the freeze thawed.
- If you live outside of the United States, you'll still call your creditor and follow similar steps to temporarily block your card or replace a card. The major difference is that each nation has a different set of credit reporting agencies. Search online for your nation and "credit reporting agencies" to find information about your national agencies' procedures for security freezes.[17]
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Decorate Your Notebook Posted: 31 Mar 2018 05:00 PM PDT To decorate your own notebook, all you need are craft materials, a little time, and creativity! Make a cover with paper, paint, or fabric or create a collage on the front with stickers and pictures. You can embellish the notebook with anything that inspires you, from glitter to buttons. Your notebook is yours to decorate, so make it your own! EditCovering Your Notebook - Choose paint, paper, or fabric to cover your notebook. There are endless options to create a funky and fun notebook cover. Choose your materials before you get started so you have a plan of attack. Select something to express yourself with![1]
- You can use cardboard, construction paper, or old maps.
- You can find images on the Internet. Print out 1 image to cover the entire notebook, or use your computer to make a collage of photos.
- You can select fabric like canvas, denim, or old T-shirts.
- You could also paint a separate sheet on paper and glue it onto the cover.
- Trace the size of your notebook onto your cover material. Place your notebook on top of your material, whether it is another piece of paper or a piece of fabric. Mark the edges of your notebook onto your cover with a pencil or pen. This can be a rough size estimate, so you know where to make your cuts.[2]
- You can cut out a cover for the front and a cover for the back separately, or cut out a size that would fit both the front and back cover in one piece. Be sure to lay your book open flat if you are covering both sides.
- Cut out your cover to fit the size of your notebook. Use a pair of scissors to cut out your cover, based on the lines you traced. Place your cover on top of your notebook to make sure the size is correct.[3]
- If the cover is too big, trim it down so it fits the size of your notebook.
- If it is too small, you can cut out another cover or improvise with other accessories, like ribbon or stickers.
- If you are using fabric, use fabric scissors for sharp, straight lines.
- Apply a thin, even layer of adhesive to your cover. You can use an adhesive like a glue stick, liquid glue, a hot glue gun, or Mod Podge. Put a thin, even layer of glue onto the back of the cover material. Make sure you coat the edges of your cover so the paper won't lift up later.[4]
- Avoid applying too much glue on your cover. It will take a long time to dry and create a mess. Try to use thin, even layers.
- Align the corners of your notebook with the corner of your cover. Start at the top of your notebook and line up the edge of your cover with the notebook's top edge. Then, line up the bottom corners as well.[5]
- Press your hands down on the cover to help it adhere to the notebook. Use the side of your hand or your palm and press down on the front of your cover to stick it to your notebook. Make sure to rub your fingertips over the edge of your notebook as well.[6]
- If any edges aren't sticking completely, apply a tiny dab of glue in between the cover and your notebook, and rub both layers together.
- You can rub the cover a few times to make sure it's securely applied.
- Let your cover and notebook dry before you accessorize further. Give your notebook a few minutes to dry so the cover binds to your notebook thoroughly. Wait about 1-3 minutes and touch your cover to make sure it is dry.
- Liquid glue will take the longest to dry. It will dry in about 2 hours, but it is recommended to wait 24 hours for it to dry entirely. Glue sticks and hot glue guns usually have quick drying times, taking only about 1-2 minutes.
- If you painted your cover, your paint may take up to 1 hour to dry.
EditCreating a Collage - Write your name or a notebook heading on the cover, if you want. Use a pen, marker, or paint to title your notebook with your name or subject. You can write your name and your class subject, or any other relevant information.[7]
- You can glue on a notecard or paper scrap before you write on your cover, if you wish.
- Glue fun pictures to the cover of your notebook to personalize it. Find pictures you like, like animals, superheros, or cartoons. Also try using pictures of your friends or family. You can take your pictures yourself, cut them out of magazines, or print them off the Internet. Apply a small amount of glue to your pictures and stick them to your cover.
- You could use liquid glue or a glue stick.
- You can cover as much of the notebook as you like to personalize your notebook.
- Add stickers to the front of your notebook for a personal touch. You can apply stickers as you go or plan out your cover before you start. Select stickers in a variety of sizes and that reflect your likes and interests.[8]
- You can also partially cover the pictures you've glued onto the notebook, for a layered effect.
- You can also make your own stickers and put them on your notebook.
- Try using 3-D stickers, too!
- Doodle in the open spaces to finish your collage. If you still have open spaces on your cover, grab a market and doodle to fill up space. Doodle stick people, hearts, stars, flowers, smiley faces--anything you'd like! [9]
- You can also save some open space and add drawings later.
- Create a border with fabric strips or washi tape. After you have created your collage, finish it off by adding a border to your notebook. You can glue fabric around the edges, using strips of material or ribbon. Or, try using washi tape to create your border.[10]
- If you're using fabric, you can apply it to your notebook by dabbing glue to the outside edges. Then, stick your fabric to your glue spots. Using a hot glue gun or fabric glue is recommended.
- If you are using washi tape, peel off the tape from the roll and apply it to the edge of your notebook, like you would a sticker. Apply washi tape in long pieces or in small sections.
EditEmbellishing with Other Accessories - Glue buttons on your notebook to add interest. Place various buttons over your notebook's cover, and pick your placement based on where the buttons look good to you. Use a hot glue gun to dab a bit of melted glue onto your button, and stick your button onto your notebook.
- Add a few buttons or glue on a bunch!
- Use glitter to add some sparkle to your notebook. Apply some Mod Podge or liquid glue to your notebook. Dust glitter on top of the glue to apply it. Then, turn your notebook over and dump away any remaining glitter.
- You can put glitter on large surfaces, like the entire cover, or in small areas, like around your name.
- When you are dumping extra glitter, stand over a piece of paper or newspaper, and try to reuse the extras if you can. If not, dump your extra glitter into a trash can.
- This should take 3-5 minutes to dry fully.
- If your glitter keeps falling off, add a top layer of liquid glue or Mod Podge to seal it. Apply another layer of adhesive once the first layer is fully dry, after about 3-5 minutes.
- Paint your notebook with nail polish for a pop of color. Nail polish can be used in place of paint to add details to your notebook. Use your polish and paint your notebook, like you would with a brush and acrylic paint. You can create things like lines, dots, or squares.[11]
- You can create a border around your name or the edge of your journal by drawing a line with your polish's brush.
- You can add polka dots to your cover by dabbing dots of polish around your notebook.
- Try drawing multiple lines to create stripes. You can make them straight, curvy, or zig-zag.
- Also, try using a few different nail polish colors to make the cover stand out.
- Add texture to your notebook with felt. Cut out shapes like letters, circles, squares, or triangles. Then, using a glue stick or your glue gun, apply the felt pieces onto your notebook.[12]
- Trace shapes onto your felt using stencils and a pencil, if that helps you.
- You can also create a cover out of felt, if you'd like.
- Place pieces of duct tape onto your notebook to add color or patterns. Duct tape comes in a variety of bright colors and patterns, from neon green to tie dye. Find your favorite color and pattern, and use this for your notebook. You can use strips of duct tape or cut out smaller shapes with scissors.[13]
- You can apply your duct tape nearly anywhere on your notebook. The cover, back, inside covers, or even individual pages.
- Decorate the cover with gems, artificial flowers, or anything else you'd like. Your notebook is your own space, so decorate it however you'd like. Glue on other accessories to customize your notebook. There are all sorts of materials you can use, so don't be afraid to experiment and try different accessories!
- Try origami shapes, candy bar wrappers, or trading cards.
- There are countless tutorials online for notebook decorating inspiration. Search on Google, YouTube, or craft sites!
EditThings You'll Need - Notebook
- Glue
- Glue gun and glue sticks
- Paper
- Printer
- Fabric
- Stickers
- Buttons
- Ribbon
- Paint
- Markers
- Scissors
- Other accessories of your choice
- Creativity
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Decorate Outdoors for Easter Posted: 31 Mar 2018 09:00 AM PDT If you're the type that gets excited for Easter, or if you have young kids and want to turn the outdoors of your home into an Easter themed wonderland, you may be wondering how to best decorate. You can create an Easter scene in your yard by doing things like decorating trees with eggs and setting up Easter themed lawn ornaments. If you're a do-it-yourself type, make crafts like Easter door hangers and Peep decorations. You can even turn common household decorations, like wreaths and lanterns, into Easter decorations. EditCreating an Easter Scene in Your Yard - Decorate trees with eggs. Use a tool, like a knife or awl, to poke a small hole in the ends of plastic eggs. Feed fishing line through the holes in these eggs to string the eggs up and create hanging tree ornaments. Tie the end of the fishing line to a branch to hang the ornament.[1]
- Tie a simple knot at the bottom end of your hanging tree ornaments to prevent the eggs from falling off the line. Be sure the knot is thick enough to prevent eggs from falling.
- Hang several of these ornaments from trees throughout your yard. Avoid areas thick with branches; when the wind blows, your ornaments might get tangled.
- If you live in a windy area, you might want to keep your hanging tree ornaments roughly the length of your forearm. Otherwise, the wind might whip the ornaments around dangerously.
- Place durable baskets around your yard. Wicker baskets will break down when exposed to the elements, so avoid using these. Use brightly colored plastic baskets around your yard and in exposed areas. These will hold up to the elements best.
- You can often find baskets like these at dollar stores, general retailers, thrift stores, and craft stores.
- The baskets don't have to be plastic, but they should be made of a weather resistant material.
- Set up Easter lawn ornaments. Around Easter time, inflatable Easter themed lawn ornaments are sold at most home centers and general retailers. You may be able to find cheaper priced versions of these at yard/garage sales and at thrift stores. Easter themed cutouts, like one of a large rabbit carrying a basket, can add a whimsical feeling to your Easter scene.
- If store-bought decorations are outside your budget, draw a bunny shape on a piece of wood. Cut the shape out with a saw. Spray paint it black, and you have a homemade rabbit silhouette.[2]
- Paint egg shaped rocks like Easter eggs. Use bright pastel colors. Arrange egg-rocks in groups or scatter them around your yard. [3]
- Add carrot cutouts to your walls. On a large piece of sturdy paper, like card stock, use a pencil to draw the top part of a carrot. Use markers or paint to color the top, leafy part of the carrot bright green. There should only be a small orange part of the carrot visible.[4]
- Use a fastener, like tape or a tack, to attach your carrot to a wall on the outside of your home so that the carrot is close to the ground. This will make it look like the carrot is growing out of the ground.
EditCrafting Easter Decorations - Make an Easter door hanger. Draw an Easter themed shape on a sturdy piece of card stock or cardboard. Some ideas include rabbits, eggs, baby chicks/Peeps, and so on. These should be roughly the size of your open hand. Cut these out from the paper/cardboard, then:
- Decorate the cutout. Cover it in bright Easter colors with markers or paint. Add glitter, sequins, and faux gems. These accents look especially nice on egg cutouts.
- Use a hole punch or a pair of scissors to create a hole in the top of the cutout. Tie a loop onto this hole with ribbon. The loop should be large enough for a doorknob.
- Hang your Easter door hangers on the handles of doors into your home. To protect them from the being ruined by weather, you may want to laminate them.
- Create Easter garlands with plastic eggs. Similar to the tree hanging egg decorations, use a sharp tool, like a knife, awl, or pair of scissors, to make holes in both ends of plastic Easter eggs. Thread fishing line through these holes to string the line with eggs. Tie off both ends of the line.[5]
- Drape your garlands from wall hangers, nails, door jambs, and so on. Add a large ribbon tied in a bow to the garland to add flare.
- Some plastic eggs are made with holes in them and won't require you to poke holes the ends of the egg. Look for these at the dollar store.
- A simpler garland can be made by stringing paper cutouts of eggs on a line of twine or string and hanging this much as you would the plastic egg garland.[6]
- Upcycle a rubber boot into a makeshift Easter basket. Old boots that children have grown out of often have cute patterns on them, making them ideal for this craft. Clean the boots and let them air dry somewhere not in direct sunlight. Fill the boot with colorful shredded paper, nestle some plastic eggs in it, and your "basket" is done.
- Bright and colorful accents are a great addition to these boot-baskets. Stick pinwheels into the boot, toy rabbits, and more.
- Place these boot-baskets at entrances to your home, where they will be somewhat protected from the elements. The shredded paper will break down when exposed to moisture.[7]
- Craft a Peep decoration. Gather a 12 x 36 in (30 x 91 cm) piece of Styrofoam, a wooden dowel, Peep colored spray paint (like bright yellow or pink), spray glitter, brown paint, a paint brush, a utility knife, a drop cloth, and a pencil. Draw the outline of a Peep on the Styrofoam, then:
- Use your utility knife to cut away the pieces of Styrofoam that aren't part of the design. When you finish cutting, soften the outer edges of the Peep by rubbing a piece of excess foam against the Peep's edges, wearing away the foam until it's more Peep shaped.
- Lay down a drop cloth in a well ventilated area and set the Peep cutout on the cloth. Spray paint the Peep entirely. Allow this to dry according to the label instructions.
- Use a paintbrush to apply two dots of brown paint for the eyes of the Peep and a dot of brown paint for the nose as well. Spray on glitter afterwards.
- Stick a dowel into the bottom of the Peep. You can insert the dowel in the ground for a lawn ornament, add the Peep to a vase, basket, or pot, and so on.[8]
EditTransforming Normal Decorations into Easter Decorations - Fill an empty lantern with Easter items. Lanterns are common household decorations. Fill lanterns with things like plastic eggs, rabbits, Peeps, shredded green paper, and so on. Depending on how well enclosed the lantern is, you may even be able to showcase a stuffed animal safely inside the lantern.[9]
- Clean your lanterns thoroughly with soap and water to remove any dirt of soot from them. This way, the items you load into lanterns won't get dirty and can be reused again.
- Fashion a regular wreath into one for Easter. If you don't already have a normal wreath, you can buy one from a craft store or make one of your own. Use a knife or awl to poke a small hole in a single end of many plastic Easter eggs. Then:
- Feed a small length of fishing line through the hole. Tie off the end of the line on the inside of the egg so it doesn't pull through.
- Tie the other end of the line to your wreath. Add as many eggs as you please in this fashion. Include other Easter accents, like pastel colored ribbons tied in bows.
- Hang your new Easter wreath outside your house and enjoy.[10]
- Turn a normal basket into a festive Easter basket. Decorative baskets often come with gift items and certain products. You may have some in storage, but if you don't, you can buy baskets from a thrift store or a craft store. To transform these into festive Easter baskets:
- Use spray paint to coat the baskets in an Easter color. Pastel colors, for example, are generally associated with Easter and are a great choice.
- Fill your baskets with shredded green paper to add a bright, natural splash of color.
- Add Easter themed items, like plastic eggs, plastic rabbits, Peep decorations, and so on.
- Tie a large bow on top of the basket and add accents to it as you see fit.
EditSources and Citations
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